The seven officers were jointly charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Tsang with intent during the 2014 pro-democracy Occupy protests, but they were acquitted on the basis that the injuries sustained by Tsang did not amount to grievous bodily harm.

Chan was convicted of an additional charge of common assault for slapping Tsang twice in his face inside the Central Police Station. He was handed one month of jail term to be served concurrently with his two-year jail sentence.

Pro-police camp

Police groups and supporters argue that the sentences are too heavy. During a rare closed-door rally held at a police clubhouse last month, police unions vowed to clear the convictions of the seven officers.

Handing down the sentence last month, Judge Dufton said: “The defendants damaged Hong Kong’s reputation in the international community… There was no justification to take Tsang to the substation for the assault.”

Judge Dufton said the court needed to “make an example” out of it to ensure that no police officers would attempt to commit the offence in the future.

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